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The English fast bowler Mark Wood has stated he feels "quietly confident" about his fitness for the opening match of the Ashes series in Australia.

Wood has not played following a Champions Trophy loss against Afghanistan last winter and underwent surgery for a knee issue in March.

That tournament and India series that preceded it marked his comeback from an elbow injury that had kept him out for many months.

"It was a frustrating summer," Wood stated. "I was unable to participate in any matches and my knee sometimes, when it seemed that you're just about ready, it wasn't fully recovered."

"I faced setbacks a couple of times, but during the training camp progress has been positive. We've used the radar gun and the pace is getting up there."

The first match of the Ashes starts on 21 November in Perth, with England seeking victory in their first Test series on Australian soil since 2010-2011.

"Hopefully, I'm in form, bowling well during warm-up matches and in the nets, and can put my hand up for the first Test," added Wood, who last played a Test was against Sri Lanka over a year back.

"My recovery wasn't a smooth process, it had its ups and downs, but I'm in a good position now and hope to push forward for that game."

"I never want to give an answer claiming, 'Yes, I'm pumped, I'm set'. I feel assured at the minute and feeling a lot more positive, so I'm quietly confident."

Australia's Injury Worries

Meanwhile, Australia's concerns over the fitness of squad members have led to player Cameron Green making way for Marnus Labuschagne for the ODI series with India, which starts on Sunday.

The Aussies also have doubts about the fitness of skipper Pat Cummins, who has not played since July because of lumbar bone stress affecting his spine.

"Cameron Green has been ruled out for the India series having experienced mild side discomfort during recent practice," the cricket board stated.

"He will undergo a short period of rehabilitation and is expected to be back to play in round three of domestic cricket to continue his preparation for the Ashes."

Round three of Australia's domestic Sheffield Shield competition is scheduled to start on 28 October.